Attraction
Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda
The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, built on the site of the Almohad great mosque, with the Giralda tower, the tomb of Columbus and a…
Real Alcázar de Sevilla
A royal palace complex with more than a thousand years of history, famous for Pedro I's Mudéjar palace, tiled courtyards and extensive walled gardens.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace and gardens
- Area
- Santa Cruz, Seville, Spain
- Official site
- alcazarsevilla.org
Good to know
- Online booking
- Gardens
- Audio guides
- Shop
Why we recommend it
The Real Alcázar is the oldest royal palace in Europe still used by a royal family, and for many visitors it is the highlight of a trip to Seville. The site began as a fortress built by Abd al-Rahman III in the early 10th century, grew into an Almohad palace complex, and was rebuilt in stages after Ferdinand III of Castile took the city in 1248. In 1987 it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site together with the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias.
The core of the visit is the palace of Pedro I, built in the 1360s by craftsmen working in the Mudéjar style. The Patio de las Doncellas, with its long pool and sunken gardens, and the domed Salón de Embajadores are the rooms most people remember, but the plasterwork, carved wooden ceilings and tile panels repay slow looking throughout. Contrast them with the Gothic palace of Alfonso X, with its large tapestry halls, and the vaulted cistern known as the Baths of Doña María de Padilla. Television fans will recognise parts of the complex from the fifth season of Game of Thrones.
Leave plenty of time for the gardens, which take up a large share of the site. Terraces, fountains, pavilions, orange trees and the Galería de Grutesco make them a cool retreat on hot days, and they suit families who need a break from interiors. Two to three hours is a sensible minimum for palace and gardens together.
Entry is by timed ticket, and slots sell out in spring and during holidays, so book on the official website in advance rather than queuing. Opening hours differ between the summer and winter seasons, and the site occasionally closes for official events, so check the calendar before you go. The upper royal apartments are shown separately on guided visits with a limited number of places. Expect uneven floors and steps in parts of the old palaces.
The Alcázar sits on the edge of the Santa Cruz quarter, directly opposite the Cathedral and next to the Archivo de Indias, so the three World Heritage buildings are easily combined in a day. The Puerta de Jerez tram stop and the river are a few minutes away on foot, and the lanes of Santa Cruz behind the walls are full of small squares and tapas bars for lunch afterwards.
Real Alcázar de Sevilla FAQs
Do you need to book tickets for the Alcázar?
Booking a timed ticket on the official website is strongly recommended, especially in spring and at weekends, as entry slots sell out.
How long should you allow?
Allow at least two to three hours to see the palaces and the gardens without rushing.
Is it still a royal residence?
Yes. The upper floor is used by the Spanish royal family when they are in Seville, which is why it is described as Europe's oldest royal palace still in use.
What are the highlights?
The palace of Pedro I with the Patio de las Doncellas and the Salón de Embajadores, the Gothic palace, the Baths of Doña María de Padilla and the gardens.
Was Game of Thrones filmed at the Alcázar?
Yes. Scenes for the fifth season, set in the kingdom of Dorne, were filmed here.
Are the opening hours the same all year?
No. The Alcázar keeps longer hours from April to September than from October to March, so check the official site for current times.
What is nearby?
The Cathedral, the Giralda and the Archivo de Indias are all next to the Alcázar, and the Santa Cruz quarter begins just behind it.
Is it a World Heritage Site?
Yes. It was inscribed by UNESCO in 1987 together with the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias.